Children disproportionally exposed to attributable heatwaves at low-latitude low-income countries

Heatwaves are increasing in frequency, intensity, and duration, and represent the category of extreme event that is most easily attributable to anthropogenic warming. Yet how the spatiotemporal patterns of attribution outcomes link to population dynamics is still poorly understood.  Here we show that children and young people are already being affected by a disproportionately greater number of attributable heatwaves, especially in the Global South. Using observations, reanalysis, and simulations of temperature changes available through the ISIMIP3b and CMIP6 projects in combination with demographic data, we show that temperature extremes emerge more clearly and consistently from the noise across low-income countries in lower latitudes, which have some of the youngest populations. Our findings have important implications for children and young people seeking redress from climate harms, for example through climate lawsuits.